PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Clint Jukkala has been named as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts' new Dean of the School of Fine Arts. Jukkala, who has been the Chair of Graduate Programs at PAFA since fall 2013, will start in his new position effective July 15. The appointment comes after a nationwide search conducted by PAFA, the nation's first school and museum of the fine arts.

PAFA President and CEO David R. Brigham says, "Clint brings an exciting vision for PAFA, a tremendous amount of energy, and a demonstrated record of successful leadership of PAFA's graduate programs. I am excited to work with him as we prepare our students to thrive as artists in the 21st century."

Since arriving at PAFA to head the Graduate Programs, Jukkala has spearheaded initiatives including a New York gallery exhibition of Master of Fine Arts students, and he has enhanced the Visiting Artists Program series by bringing internationally recognized artists to campus for lectures and critiques. He also has been instrumental in the creation and development of a new Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts degree, which begins classes this summer.

Jukkala says, "PAFA is an amazing school with an extraordinary history. Our deep commitment to helping students develop both technically and conceptually, our vibrant community of working artists, and our museum's remarkable collection and exhibitions make this a truly unique place to study art. I am excited to work with the faculty, staff and students as PAFA continues to be a leader in arts education."

Prior to his tenure at PAFA, Jukkala served as Director of Undergraduate Studies at Yale University School of Art, as well as the Graduate Coordinator in Painting at Yale. He also has taught a variety of painting, drawing, and art history classes at Yale, University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University.

Jukkala additionally maintains an active artistic practice, with solo exhibitions in venues including Fred Giampietro Gallery in New Haven, Conn.; Bravin Lee Programs in New York; Finlandia University in Michigan; and FP3 Gallery in Boston, and with group shows throughout the U.S. and in Paris. His work was most recently featured at last month's VOLTA NY art fair, held in conjunction with the annual Armory Show in New York.

Jukkala received a BFA from the University of Washington and an MFA from Yale.

He succeeds Jeffrey Carr, current Dean of the School of Fine Arts, who is retiring after 12 years in the position.